5 bizarre new foods at the N.C. State Fair we can’t wait to try

The big picture: The N.C. State Fair runs from Oct. 12-22. For everything you need to know, check out our definitive guide to visiting the State Fair from Charlotte.

[Full State Fair guide: Everything you need to know about the N.C. State Fair — when it’s open, where to park, how much it costs and more]

The food: Fried food galore and more. This year’s list of new dishes is on another level with ridiculous combos like bacon mac and cheese sundae, strawberry cheesecake slush, and a pulled pork mac and cheese danish.

Getting around: If you’re planning to try all 54 new foods in a day, you’re going to need a plan. Here’s a map to the foods that are new for 2023.

Here are the 5 weird new foods to try this year.

Bacon mac & cheese sundae

Find it: Bubba’s Bacon, No. 6 on the map, near Kiddieland

Details: This same booth brought guests deep-fried bacon grilled cheese in 2021 and the deep fried bacon mac-n-cheese tacos in 2022  — we spot a theme.

Pulled pork mac & cheese danish

Find it: La Farm Bakery, No. 27 on the map, near State Fair SkyGazer

Details: It’s pulled pork, mac and cheese on top of a flaky danish that’s topped with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. There’s also a vegetarian option with just the mac and cheese on the danish.

Dill pickle doughnut

Find it: Fluffy’s Hand-cut Donuts, No. 16 on the map, in the Antique Farm Machinery near the The MarketPlace

Details: This food stall has plenty of doughnuts including this year’s “dillicious” option with a whipped dill pickle cream cheese, topped with thick dill pickle chips and sprinkled with dill.

Betty’s Bouza (stretchy ice cream)

Find it: Neomonde Mediterranean, No. 31 on the map, in Kiddieland

Details: This vendor serves two interesting options, from the Lebanese stretchy ice cream mixed with roasted pistachio to their Cherry Beef Bliss. The Cherry Beef Bliss is a sub roll loaded with sautéed sirloin beef, onions, spicy sweet cherry sauce, cherry mayo slaw, pickled jalapeños and cheese.

Bacon berry cookie dough on a stick

Find it: Kora’s Cookie Dough, No. 24 on the map, across from the Scott Building

Details: If you’re torn between ordering something savory or sweet, try this cookie dough on a stick that’s topped with white chocolate, dried cranberries and crispy bacon.

Read our full North Carolina State Fair guide here for more information on how to get there, what rides to check out, and other pro tips.